Contact Information

THE PAPERS OF MARGARET WHITE

BIOGRAPHY

Margaret E. White was born in Norfolk, Virginia on February 22, 1908. She graduated
from Hollins College in 1930 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After graduation,
Miss White was employed by the Norfolk School System, teaching history at Blair
Junior High from 1930 to 1934. After leaving that position for the commercial
world for a couple of years, Miss White resumed her position at Blair Junior
High School from 1936 to 1945.

From 1945 through 1946, Miss White became Program Director of the American
Red Cross in South Korea, where she supervised the recreational activities for
the United States Army. In 1947, she returned to a career in education at Alice
Deal Junior High School in Washington, D.C., teaching science and math. After
only one year in Washington, Miss White returned to Norfolk in 1948. She again
was employed by the Norfolk School System, teaching history at Granby High School
from 1948-1965. It was during this period that Miss White became involved in
the struggle to reopen the public schools of Norfolk, during the integration
crisis of 1958-1960.

Miss White's efforts to reopen the schools in Norfolk, were recorded on a CBS
television documentary, "The Lost Class of '59." There is substantial evidence
in her papers of the support of many people throughout the nation in her valiant
struggle to maintain educational standards for all students of all races.

In 1965, Miss White became Director of Public Relations for "Operation Headstart"
while working for the Southeast Tidewater Opportunity Program. This was a federally
funded program to assist in the education and employment of the poor minorities
of the United States. In 1971, she worked for the Goodwill Industries. During
1976, Miss White worked with the Norfolk Bicentennial Committee.

Margaret White is now living in a retirement home for Senior Citizens in Richmond,
Virginia. Miss White's philosophy in regard to public education and her humanitarian
activities can be summarized by her own comments:

"World history must not be neglected: without a world view how can we
comprehend the nationalism of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa? Everywhere
the oppressed people are rising up and making their declarations of independence.
Students need to be taught a respect for the accomplishments of other races,
cultures and civilizations before the United States can truly lead the world
-- a world which has no hope unless it finds peace among dissimilarities.
There are values besides facts that concern teachers who deserve the title:
the value of respect for law and order, the respect for the dignity of mankind,
the appreciation of individual differences and the realization that hate reaps
evil. No, it is not riches, nor is it prestige which makes us teach. It is
the conviction that in men there is a potential which can, through education,
tolerance, and understanding, build a better world. The hope of this teacher
is that a strong voice of moderation will speak out to open our public schools,
so we may -- each in his own way, TEACH. "

SCOPE AND CONTENTS

The Margaret White papers date from 1953 to 1976 and includes correspondence,
lists, and printed materials. The bulk of the collection dates from 1959-1964
relating directly to a television documentary produced by CBS. The program,
"The Lost Class of '59," deals with the problem of integration and the closing
of public schools in Norfolk, Virginia.

Series I consists of correspondence. Correspondence constitutes the majority
of the materials in the Margaret White collection. Correspondence is arranged
in chronological order by month and year. Letters, telegrams, and post cards
are included in this series.

Series II is a list of resources for the Norfolk Bicentennial Commission that
Margaret White was involved in 1976.

Series III is printed material which is arranged into subseries in the following
manner: Subseries A -- Newspaper clippings; Subseries B -Periodicals; Subseries
C -- Annual Reports; Subseries D -- Flyers- Within each subseries, the materials
are arranged chronologically.

ACCESS

Open to researchers without restrictions. Questions on copyright should be
directed to the Special Collections Librarian.